N.J. Vet Earned Purple Heart, But Can’t Cover Wife’s Cancer Treatment

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — Hudson County resident Anthony Restivo Jr. is a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran who has earned a Purple Heart and a Silver Star. But despite the medals on his uniform, the health coverage that his government is offering in return for his service isn’t enough to cover the medical costs of his wife’s cancer treatments, he says.

That’s the story that inspired Restivo’s daughter-in-law, Joyce Sloan, to launch the “Bad 2 the Bone” online fundraiser, which aims to help defray the costs it will take to help Restivo’s wife, Eileen, to battle Stage IV Osteosarcoma, a rare, aggressive form of cancer.

Read more about the campaign or make a donation online here.

“As we all know, the insurance coverage offered to disabled veterans and their families is not ‘five-star,’ and will not cover all of [Eileen’s] medications, equipment and care,” Sloan wrote.

“Let's all help Eileen fight so the next generation of kids get to experience the awesome woman that she is and in the process, ensure that what they have built together over the past 40 years is not lost due to medical bills,” she added.

• See related article: NJ Among Worst States For Retired Military Veterans, Study Says

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photos: GoFundMe, used with permission

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Hoboken Facebook page here.